BloomBox Dominica and Climate Classrooms team up to gift irrigation systems to schools in Dominica

BloomBox Dominica is teaming up with the Climate Classrooms Initiative to boost education on sustainable farming at North East Comprehensive School and Castle Bruce Secondary School. According to a press release issued by the Climate Classrooms Initiative, this partnership will provide both schools with automated irrigation systems, giving students practical experience in saving water and promoting sustainable agriculture.

The Climate Classrooms Initiative is part of a larger project called “Amplifying Rural and Indigenous Youth Voices on Climate Justice in the Caribbean”. This project, said Climate Classrooms, is funded by the Open Society Foundation and carried out by Young People for Action on Climate Change (YPACC) in Jamaica. The goal is to involve students in climate education and empower them to actively address environmental issues. By installing these irrigation systems, the project will teach students about water management and encourage them to practice sustainable farming techniques.

Ferdison Valmond, the Regional Project Coordinator, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating it will offer students hands-on learning about sustainable farming, water conservation, and the environmental effects of agriculture.

“We are thrilled to partner with BloomBox Dominica to bring these innovative irrigation systems to the schools,” remarked Valmond.

He further mentioned that these irrigation systems are crucial for helping young people take action on climate change and food security.

Royette Esprit, a teacher responsible for the Environmental Club at Castle Bruce Secondary School, thanked the initiative on behalf of the club, saying the new irrigation systems will greatly support their efforts and teach students how to manage resources responsibly.

The new systems will be a part of the schools’ curriculums, allowing students to work on agricultural projects like school gardens and sustainable farming. This hands-on approach will enable students to learn about water conservation and climate-smart agriculture in “real-world  applications.”

Over the last two years, BloomBox has reportedly installed irrigation systems in seven schools across Dominica. Emad Zarkha, the CEO of BloomBox, shared the company’s mission: “To inspire a passion for growth in every household.” He explained that automated irrigation revolutionizes modern farming by saving water, producing consistent crops, and giving farmers more time to focus on important tasks.

He emphasized BloomBox’s commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in agriculture with each new irrigation system: “We’re committed to driving innovation and sustainability in agriculture, one irrigation system at a time!”

There will be a formal ceremony to hand over the systems on February 18 and 19, 2025, at both schools, with attendance from Kalinago Chief Mrs. Annette Sanford, officials from the Ministries of Education and Agriculture, BloomBox representatives, and students, said the statement.

Finally, BloomBox Dominica and the Climate Classrooms Initiative expressed their gratitude to the Ministry of Education, school leaders, and participating schools for their support in making this project a reality.

Listen to Ferdison Valmond, Founder of Climate Classrooms Initiative on the handover ceremony:

About the Climate Classrooms Initiative

The Climate Classrooms Initiative, developed and implemented by the Climate Justice Movement Dominica, focuses on empowering youth in the Kalinago Territory to understand and take action on climate change. Through hands-on experiences and practical projects, the initiative equips students with the knowledge, skills, and passion to advocate for climate justice and sustainability. The project is funded by the Open Society Foundation and implemented by Young People for Action on Climate Change.